Why window treatments matter

Why window treatments matter

When it comes to design details, it’s key for us to talk with our clients about why window treatments matter.  They’re not something you might think of immediately when considering a design project, but they are so important!

Why window treatments matter: Privacy, light control, and aesthetics

Privacy

First and foremost, window treatments create privacy.  This is especially important in spaces like bedrooms and baths, as well as for clients whose living spaces directly face the street.  Of course, we want the window treatments to look fabulous no matter what the space, so we pair privacy with aesthetics!  Our Wyndmoor girls’ bath was a perfect opportunity to add a dash of fun in the cornice above the practical blinds.

Our Washington Square West home office overlooks a charming courtyard that our client shares with a few neighbors.  Here, we selected a soft Roman shade that offers privacy when needed.

Light control

Light control is key; while our clients want the option to keep out natural light in bedrooms, other spaces are just as essential.  In a home office, glare from the sun might make it difficult to see one’s monitor during certain times of day.  Another important room for light control is the kitchen.  In most of our kitchen designs, both the sink and countertops are along walls with windows.  It’s lovely to be able to glance outside while prepping dinner; it’s less lovely when the sun begins to set and is beaming directly into your eyes while you’re cleaning up afterwards.  At our Bryn Mawr home, this is often the case due to the abundance of windows.  We added simple, custom shades to both prevent that glare and add a polished touch.

In Mt. Airy (a project that still receives so much love even after a few years!), our clients had the same issue with the rising and setting sun while enjoying morning coffee at their peninsula or tidying up in the evening.  Because the kitchen windows have deep sills, which make leaning over the countertop to draw the shades a tad difficult, we opted for motorized shades that lower with a touch of a button.  They have a clean look that enhances the timeless kitchen design.

Aesthetics

When we say “aesthetics,” we mean two things: both the design of the window treatments themselves and the effect they have on the overall design of the space.  In Dresher, our clients love the tall windows in their great room and didn’t want to block the light at all; nor did they need privacy as the room faces the woods.  However, the scale of the windows needed something to feel elevated as opposed to stark.  Custom, subtly patterned Roman shades on each window and above the doors leading to their deck were just the thing, while giving them the option to draw them at any point if they’d like.

 

In our Malvern kitchen, pictured at the top of this post, we selected a beautiful tape trim in blue and white for the window treatment to the right of the range; this ties into the hand-painted tile backsplash and feels both fresh and chic. Using this trim on the breakfast room drapes adds cohesion, while the drapes frame the view to the deck and backyard beyond beautifully.

Finally, even functional spaces need style.  Our fabulous New Hope laundry room has a livable luxury vibe, and leaving the windows bare didn’t do the space justice.  Again, soft custom shades lend a touch of effortless elegance that complements the design.

Project photography by Rebecca McAlpin

Want our weekly blog post delivered right to your inbox?  Click here to sign up!

________________________________________

Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning Philadelphia interior design firm serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding cities. Utilizing her background and training in interior design, architecture, and engineering, Glenna specializes in creating interiors for residential and commercial design settings. We invite you to visit our website, view our portfolio, and catch up on the latest interior design concepts on our blog!